Low Budget Film Panel Bios (Questions on Bottom)

Panelist: Chris Helton
Title: Producer/Director/Film Finance
Company: Silver Line Films, Inc.
Website: www.imdb.com/name/nm1782593/

Bio: Chris Helton is the founder and CEO of Silver Line Films, Inc. a film finance and production company that works with various producers on structuring finance and distribution. Currently they are developing projects as part of a $20M film slate. Mr. Helton began his film career as an actor in 2000 after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. In the years since he began, Mr.Helton has produced film and television programming, marketing DVD productions, and online video campaigns. He has a passion for the creative side and the financial side. Chris is a combat veteran who uses his experience to create a clear vision for success for the films he produces. He recently completed production on a low budget film called Dead Water which was filmed in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Check out a film Mr. Helton is known for below. “Runnin From My Roots”

Panelist: Shaun M Mathis
Title: Writer | Director | Producer
Company: Laconic Productions
Website: www.laconicproductions.com
See His Video Below

Bio: After relocating from Philadelphia to Atlanta in 2010, Shaun Mathis retired from life as a novelist and began writing for the screen. Now writer, director, producer, and co-owner of Laconic Productions, his role as a single father to his 10 year-old daughter is his greatest honor.

In 2012 an internship with Sharon Tomlinson of Studio 11 Films kickstarted Shaun’s professional career. After completing Tomlinson’s writing program, Mathis began penning scripts for the independent production company. Later interning at Ralph Wilcox Productions, Mathis gained continued experience as a production assistant and script reader.

In 2014 Eyeam Cinema commissioned Mathis to write an 8-episode web series, the success of which led to the development of several other projects for the independent production company.

With confidence in his craft, Shaun decided to step out on his own by writing & directing 2 web series. His first was Rich Brothers (Drama) the next was Threesome (Comedy) which have a combined 57 film festivals selections and several wins.

Shaun’s first major break came in 2015 when he was asked to co-write & co-produce the short film, “Take Over Your Trap”, starring Grammy nominated hip hop artist 2 Chainz, which premiered at the 2016 SXSW Film Festival. To date, the film has over 6 million views via Youtube & World Star Hip Hop. With a major artist on his resume, in 2016 Shaun went on to write, direct and produce his first short film, The Plug, which received a distribution deal via Amazon at 2017’s AFM film conference and has over 3.1 million views since December 2017. Furthermore, Shaun completed his first documentary, Miles in the Life, which is currently as distribution offers from 2 major platforms.

When Shaun is not writing or filming he is teaching screenwriting at The Nova House as in a class room setting or one-on-one sessions well as well as hosting the Atlanta division of the LA based, Blacklist.

This is one of his award winning films. BLKMGC – A musical about a young father determined to realize his dream; struggling to ‘make it’ while raising his son. The World sends him down a path that questions his faith and conviction.

Panelist: Nicholas DeKay
Title: Stuntman
Company: Over 100 films and television shows
Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5045785/

Bio: Nick deKay is an expert martial artist, motorcycle racer, and car racer that has parlayed his athletic talents into a career in film and television. Nick started training martial arts at 6 years of age and went on to compete in professional Muay Thai boxing in the US and Thailand. Nick started racing cars and motorcycles at 19 years of age and has gone on to win several regional championships. In 2008 while running his MMA gym in Atlanta, GA Nick was offered a supporting role as the assassin in an independent film. He immediately fell in love with the film industry and has been pursuing it ever since. Nick has worked as a stuntman on over 100 films and television shows.

Nick has worked on hundreds of films including Black Panther.

Panelist: Deltoddrick Williams
Title: Producer/Director
Company: New Life Film Werks
Website: https://www.todduno.co/

Bio: Todd Uno is a self-motivated media veteran with production experience ranging from audio production and broadcast to film production. 17+ years experience. Born in Tallahassee, Florida, He moved to Atlanta with his Parents (Henry & Julia Williams) with them having hopes of a better life for Todd Uno and his Auntie( raised as sister) , Tameka Jones. They found a life in outer city of Atlanta, Lithonia, Ga. This is where, Todd’s love of film and broadcast grew. He started an internship at Radio-One with James (Boogie Bless) Breedlove. Boogie Bless introduced Todd to Cory (Coco Brother) Condrey. It was with Cory where Todd was able sharpen his skills and discipline in production. By his high school Graduation Todd Uno had offers to go a do his own radio show. He took the Job with Mike Roberts at Roberts Communications in Macon, Ga. After Taking the ratings to #1, he moved back to Atlanta.

Within months a long time colleague, Tarrif ( E. T.) Carter, gave Todd a life changing call. He began to Work again with Radio-One as a his producer a long side J Nicks ( Stuey Rock), & voicing and producing popular brand “Yo Durty” and dozens more. He later moved over to CBS where he partnered up with Lil Bankhead & Dj Infamous lead by Reggie Rouse ( VP of Programming, CBS). As time moved on, Todd wanted more out of his career. He had already spent alot of time on set and in studios. It it was this time where he began to study and research to maximize his route to film and music production. In hopes to make life and career changes he sat with Penina Brown for direction. She suggested and referred him to produced the morning show for CBS, which also air live on TV everyday at the CW.. 1 meeting with Frank Ski and he got the Job. It was there he ran he course in radio and left CBS with Frank Ski to pursue his film Career full time. Working alongside actors such as Robin Givens, Kieth Robison, Darren Henson and Columbus Short to name a few.

See Film Below

Panelist: Nahala (Mr.Boomtown) Johnson
Title: Producer/Director
Company: Boomtown Productions

Bio: This extremely talented and highly sought-after film director has arrived on the entertainment scene and is looking forward to evoking an explosion of raw talent within the film and music industries. Bringing with him an unbridled passion for directing, and years of experience, Nahala Johnson known to his friends and clients by his nickname “Boom” and his alter ego “Mr. Boomtown” as a music video director, took the ultimate “leap of faith” by venturing into this quest, full-time in order to give birth to his dream. In June 1999, this Port Arthur, Texas native bid farewell to his producer position with the Dallas Cowboys’ Television Production Company (Silverstar Network) where he produced and edited feature stories for “The Jerry Jones Show”, “The Coaches Show” and several projects for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. His company Boomtown Productions had finally become a reality and the time had arrived for him to introduce his fresh perspective to the industry. Mr. Boomtown’s vision and long-term objective is to produce and direct feature films, music videos and commercials that will appeal in a way that has not yet been seen before. His contribution is given through his ability to produce and direct projects that are visually exciting with a creative edge that supersedes traditional filmmaking. Currently, the former University of Houston Cougars Linebacker and 1995 graduate is working on and has directed a number of Rap, R&B, Rock and Gospel music videos with artists such as Gucci Mane, Pimp C & Bun B of UGK, Scarface, Birdman, Lil’ Wayne, Rick Ross, 50 Cent, Meek Mill, French Montana, Kirk Franklin, Trinitee 5:7, The Walls Group, 2 Chains, Kirko Bangz, Tony Yayo, Slim Thug, Jim Jones, Big Boi of Outkast, Juelz Santana, Sean Garrett, Plies, Ludacris, The Dream, Shawty-Lo, T. Pain, Young Buck, Lil’ Boosie, David Banner, 8 Ball & MJG, Mack 10, Glasses Malone, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, 2 Pistols, Waka Flocka, Yo Gotti, Mya, E40, Ca$h Out, B.O.B, a host of others and more to come. He was nominated for the coverted “Director of the Year” award at the 2009 & 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards and also the 2011 BET Awards. In 2014 Mr. Boomtown produced and directed Gucci Mane’s comedy “The Spot” that featured rap artists Rocko, OJ Da Juiceman, Rich Homie Quan, comedian Shawty Shawty and many more. And in 2015 he directed the gangster flick “Candy” set for release in 2017. We know that if nothing else, he’s definitely solidified his position as the “Hardest Working Director” in the hip-hop industry. But Mr. Boomtown is more than just a brilliant video director; he’s an extensive voice to young aspiring directors, a symbol of hope and dedication to anyone with a dream, especially for the underdog.

See Film Below

Panelist: Steven Chatman
Title: Director/Producer
Company: Atlaccess LLC
Website: http://localfilmjobs.org/LW/

Bio: Born in Atlanta in 1979 I begin my journey in the city.. As I begin my professional career throwing parties at college. Meeting stars and artist is where I quickly realized my purpose. To unify the entertainment industry and create content that tells not only the harsh truth about the streets, but our triumphs daily… Controlling our content became a passion of mine and I expressed this to some artist. Realizing they only put out filth I soon realized it will take films to shape our culture. I ran across my mentor Namso Akpan who helped me realize that producing our own film carrying our narrative and promoting small businesses in them will give it life… Lantawood film industry of the South… We here now!

Lantawood is our industry for independent film makers.. If your not in Hollywood circle then you are pushed to the sidelines… With our industry everyones in the game!

See Film Below

Panelist: Arthur Alston
Title: Producer/Director
Company: Choke No Joke Productions
Website: http://www.chokenojokeproductions.com/

Bio: Born in New York City and raised in the Bronx Arthur D. Alston aka “Choke No Joke” entered the entertainment business in 1993 in search of a rap career. During this journey he gained interest in modeling and acting. While pursuing modeling and acting Arthur started bringing his video camera on the set of his jobs and started filming behind the scenes. This was the beginning of what made him the legendary videographer, producer, director that he became. Leaving the modeling and acting to become a full time Producer/Director was a great decision because Arthur went on to be a Producer/Director for Streetfunk TV and started documenting the legendary club The Tunnel of NYC. Then he went on to be a Videographer/Producer for Roc-A-Fella Records creating the Hip-Hop favorite online series “Last Days of the ROC”. He also produced for Def Jam Records, BET (Rap City, 106 and Park, BET Specials and Creative Services) and various companies. That’s just a few of his accomplishments along with producing and directing the feature film Code Blue. Arthur later on took on management, brand marketing and publicity working with various entertainers from artist, reality stars, clothing lines and models. Arthur’s most recent projects are a Producer on the documentary A Genius Leaves The Hood – The Unauthorized Story of Jay-Z in which Arthur is featured as well. Producer and Director on Knockout the boxing reality series. Producer on Feel Rich: Health is the New Wealth
Producer of The Real Housewives of Atlanta on Bravo TV. His current project The Hip-Hop Nucleus: A Documentary on the legendary Tunnel Nightclub of NYC is a critically acclaimed film with a 5 stars rating and reached #1 on iTunes Documentary charts and #4 overall films.

Having tons of experience and resources Arthur is a good man to have working with you. See Film Below

Panelist: Melinda Santiago
Title: Writer/Director/Film Consultant
Company: The Santiago Firm
Website: http://www.santiagofirm.com/

Bio: PRESIDENT /CEO Melinda Santiago is a hard working, dependable, trustworthy, professional. With several years of corporate experience under her belt, Melinda started The Santiago Firm with the purpose of bringing a high level of professionalism and dedication to serving her clients needs. Showing that Good business still can be done with Integrity . With the slogan, ‘GOD blesses Good Business’, Melinda strives to provide her clients with the highest level of integrity. From that, she has started a new entity Santiago Productions which landed a full distribution deal thru RPM via EOne/Sony Tv Film division. She has since partnered up with LC3 media , for an imprint publishing deal to help Authors be heard. She works closely with LC3 media and National Urban League and they recently landed client , J Alexander Martin ( Co-founder of Fubu) a book deal and a tv show on Impact Network. Currently in the works are 3 new TV Film projects . Stay Tuned. Film Project Below

Panelist: Rahim Brazil
Title: Director/Producer
Company: Dream House Production
Website: https://www.instagram.com/dreamhousetvnetwork/

Bio: When it comes to hard work, persistence, dedication and influence Rahim Brazil embodies all of these qualities and more. Rahim Brazil is more than an entertainer/on-air personality, film director and Actor from Baltimore, he is a Brand. Representing various forms of entertainment, Rahim became known for playing cousin Kendall on the series H.I.M now airing on Here Tv. While still pursuing his music career he began performing in various major cities along the East Coast. Rahim begin working on Deb Antney’s Be100radio station as a full time radio personality interviewing various celebrities and socialites around Atlanta. He has since transitioned his interview experience from the radio to the red carpet. In 2017, Rahim Brazil released his first film project entitled “Twisted.” Twisted gained a lot of popularity bringing in over 80 thousand views to his brand new network Dream House Television on YouTube. Since his first production release he begin working as a radio personality for one of the fastest growing hip hop stations Hip-Hop Joynt Rap Radio headlining his own show “The Rahim Brazil Show.” Nothing seems impossible for Rahim. Currently he is developing new content series For his new network. Producing short film for Dem Girlz Productions entitled “Divided We Fall” and Dream House TV Network Originals, “TWI2TED: Family Secrets; First Timers; and new talk show, Grind Time TV. No matter what hat Rahim Brazil decides to wear, he is certain to take the industry by storm being an individual with a fresh appeal, business mindset, energetic personality, and realness.

Follow Rahim Brazil:

@dreamhousetvnetwork
@rahimbrazilonline
@watchtwistedseries